Lionel Messi's triumphant Argentina comeback has been tempered by a groin injury that has forced his withdrawal from Tuesday's World Cup qualifier in Venezuela.

Messi, who had gone back on his decision to quit the team following its Copa America final defeat in June, scored the only goal in a 1-0 home win over Uruguay on Thursday that sent Argentina to the top of the South American group.

However, the Argentina captain will not travel with the team to Merida where it will face Venezuela in another round of regional qualifiers, coach Edgardo Bauza said on Friday.